- Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 March 2017 03:12
Joyce A. Hatfield-Wise, Esq. announced her run for Judge of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas on the steps of the Washington County Courthouse following worship.
Joyce A. Hatfield-Wise |
Joyce retired in September 2016, after more than 20 years of service to Washington County, where she served for 18 years as the first full-time Solicitor for Children and Youth Services. Joyce currently accepts court conflict appointments and engages in the private practice of law. Just like every other judicial candidate, Joyce will cross-file as judges are deemed apolitical.
Joyce believes firmly in a life of service and has served her community and profession well. She has served as an elected Executive Board Member for the Washington County Bar Association, having just completed her second 3-year term. She has chaired or co-chaired the county Law Day committee for the last 15 years.
In 2008, she co-founded ChildFirst Pennsylvania, a Forensic Interview and Court Preparation Training program. Due to her efforts and efforts of her late friend, Pennsylvania was certified as a ChildFirst state in March 2012.
Joyce has argued before the PA Supreme Court twice and has appeared before the PA Superior Court on numerous occasions. She and the cases she has been blessed to be a part of have helped to shape the law for children and families across Pennsylvania. See J.E.F., In re: S.P., B.L.L., In re: A.D., and others.
In 2011, Joyce was named “Government Lawyer of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Also in 2011, Joyce was awarded the John L. Northrop Vocational Service Award by the Rotary Club of Washington County. In 2013, Joyce was presented with a Community Education Award by the League of Women Voters of Washington County. Also, In 2013, Joyce was presented with a Certificate of Meritorious Services by the Washington County Bar Association. In January of 2014, Joyce was awarded a scholarship from the Allegheny County Bar Association and the United States District Court for the Western District to attend the annual National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Joyce is a life-time resident of Washington County. She is a member of the Washington County Bar Association and was a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association through the end of 2016. Joyce currently serves as a Trustee for the Washington County Bar Foundation. Joyce is a founding member of the PA Children and Youth Solicitors Association where she remains an active member.
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